The set-up: The Rangers "gave away" Game 2 of the series to fall into an 0-2 hole but rebounded strongly in Game 3, scoring the contest's first four goals in a 4-1 victory. The Senators had played eight straight one-goal decisions to open the postseason and erased a two-goal deficit on three occasions before prevailing in double overtime in Game 2. However, in speaking about Game 3, Ottawa head coach Guy Boucher told reporters of New York's domination, "We got a slap in the face and we've got to get up." Tuesday's matchup is now another must-win for New York. "It says that we can erase an emotional loss," Rangers forward Rick Nash told reporters about his team's Game 3 win. "We're still down, so the next game is that much of a bigger deal."

Ottawa: The Senators may view this game as a must win as well, as returning home tied at two-all would mean momentum had swung in the favor of the Rangers. Ottawa has some injury concerns as forwards Bobby Ryan and Zack Smith each were knocked out of Game 3, although Boucher said Ryan is likely to play Thursday while Smith's status will be determined at the morning skate. However, on the positive side, it appears defenseman Chris Wideman and winger Tom Pyatt, both of whom have been out since late in the opening-round series against the Boston Bruins, will return to the Ottawa lineup Thursday.

NY Rangers: Mats Zuccarello, the leading scorer during the regular season, had a goal and an assist Tuesday to give him five points in his last four games. Mika Zibanejad, acquired from Ottawa in the offseason in exchange for Derick Brassard, also is raising his level of play with six points over the past five games to take over the team lead with seven in the postseason. "At the end of the day, all we've done is win one game," warned Rangers' head coach Vigneault. "(Thursday) is the most important game of the season for us."

The pick: The Rangers played a nearly flawless game, a passionate and well-executed performance, while little went right for a Senators team that put up limited resistance and made a host of mistakes after winning the first two games of the series on home ice. The Rangers were just a so-so team on home ice for much of the regular season but they have reversed their fortunes in the playoffs, having won their last three at MSG. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist has allowed just one goal in each of those three games! In contrast, Ottawa netminder Craig Anderson has permitted nine goals in the past two games and committed another puck-handling gaffe that led to a gimme tally in Game 3. Make the Rangers a 10* play.